Teaching Learning with ICT: Computer-Based Test (CBT) is Finally Applied in Indonesia

This year, we have a good news. Indonesia is finally using a new technology system in its education sector. The term is called Computer-Based Test, or CBT for short.

Computer-Based Test is an examination system that uses computer. This term is often called UN-CBT, in which in the previous years majority in Indonesia's regions are still using paper-based system.

There are four computer and Internet based test models which are developed by ICT, they are:

1 Open Mode

Test like kind of these can be followed by anyone without any surveillance, in example a participant don't need to do any registration and they can access it via Internet.

2 Controlled Mode

It is almost the same as open mode above, without any supervision, but the participant are already registered by inputting their username and password.

3 Supervised Mode

This model has a supervisor that identifies the participant to get authenticated and validate their condition to do the test.

4 Managed Mode

This model is usually done concentrically. The organization whose whose the test process can identify and ensure the work and tool specifications in the test centre. They also train the staff's skills to control the test.

(Bartram, 2001)

There are some conditions and criterion needed when using CBT. The conditions and criterion can be seen below.

1. Schools which have 'A' accreditation are prioritized

2. Have these following facilities;

-The quantities of PCs are 1/3 of the students with the back-ups are 1/10.

-UPS provided server

-Local Area Network(LAN) with cable

-Good Internet speed

-Good electricity supply

-Large spaced room

The head of the ministry’s Educational Evaluation Center (Puspendik), Nizam, said the computer-based test would be held only in 862 out of 79,399 secondary schools nationwide.

“We have been extremely strict on which pilot schools can take the computer-based test this year. Most of the schools selected are senior high schools and vocational high schools as the students will be more knowledgeable about computers,” he said.

Nizam also said that both the computer-based and paper-based test would have only multiple choice questions, and that the ministry had tested the computer-based test extensively to make sure that students who took the computer-based exam would not have any advantage over those taking the paper-based test.

“Students will not be able to cheat by surfing the Internet because everything except for the exam questions will be blocked,” he said.

There are also advantages and disadvantages when using this system. The following things are the advantages and disadvantages;

ADVANTAGES

- It's easier to use.

- No need to fill the answer sheet with pencil which can make the paper dirty.

- It can manage time until 30 minutes.

- It can save the test and using paper to support your work

DISADVANTAGES

- Dependence of computer tools.

- Needs a well-provided room.

- If the CBT has an error the test will be delayed.

- Computer skills and knowledge are needed.